Can first-time intercourse get you pregnant? Here are 11 popular myths about sex
Here are 11 myths about sex you might have heard before but aren't true.
FollowYou may hear of a lot of myths about sex. It is important to know all the facts about sex so that you rubbish falsehoods.
Myth 1: You won't get pregnant during your period False – Any woman can get pregnant during her period. Semen can live for up to seven days, so if ovulation (release an egg) takes place during the period, there is a possibility of you getting pregnant after a week. But it's not safe to have sex during period unless you're using contraception that protects you during the period.
Myth 2: You may get pregnant by having oral sex False: Even if semen is swallowed, one cannot get pregnant from oral sex.
Myth 3: You cannot get a sexually transmitted infections by having oral sex False: You may get affected by sexually transmitted infection (STI) after having unsafe oral sex because of previous or simultaneous instances of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
Myth 4: You won't get pregnant if a man withdraws before semen release False: Not really. Before a man withdraws, he releases fluid from his penis. This fluid contains sperm which can easily result in pregnancy.
Myth 5: You can't get pregnant for the first time if you have sex False: Semen can fertilise an egg anytime. Let that be your first time or last time.
Myth 6: Certain sexual positions will protect you from pregnancy. False: As we said already all it takes is one egg and one sperm to make any woman get pregnant. It doesn't even matter whether you have sex standing up, sitting down, under the shower or lying down.
Myth 7: Your testicles will get damaged if you don't have sex or if you haven't had sex for a long time. False: Not having sex won't harm anyone in any tangible way. Testicles will not get damaged if you don’t have sex.
Myth 8: Condoms can be washed out and re-used False: Condoms are meant for a one-time use. The friction of sex weakens the condom, so it may break if you re-use it.
Myth 9: You will have symptoms if you have an STI False: Not all STIs exhibit symptoms. Many STIs have no signs or are symptom-free until the STI has caused notable health issues. Therefore, it is necessary to practice safe sex and that you receive regular check-ups.
Myth 10: You can use plastic bags instead of condoms False: Never use a polythene bag or cling film instead of a condom. Only condoms protect you from STIs and pregnancy. They are meant to catch the sperm and keep you safe from infection.
Myth 11: Women can't get STIs from sex with another woman False: You can get STIs from woman to woman sex. Many people are not aware of this. It is essential to always to protect yourself, no matter who you're having sex with.
